Outfielder Teoscar Hernández played a key role in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ victory over the New York Yankees in the 2024 World Series. Now a free agent, could he leave Hollywood for a lucrative deal in the Bronx? Although Hernández had multi-year offers last winter, he chose to sign a one-year, $23.5 million contract with the Dodgers, which proved to be a great move for the 32-year-old. He posted a .272/.339/.501 line with 33 home runs, 32 doubles, 99 RBIs, and 84 runs scored in 652 plate appearances, earning his second All-Star selection, third Silver Slugger Award, and finishing 19th in NL MVP voting. Hernández is expected to sign quickly this offseason, with the Dodgers still seen as the favorites to re-sign him. However, with him now on the open market, anything is possible. New York is reportedly considering him as a backup option if Juan Soto goes elsewhere, assuming Hernández is available.
JustBaseball’s Ryan Finkelstein believes the Yankees could secure Hernández on a five-year, $85 million contract. Since 2019, Hernández has been one of the few players to hit 25 or more home runs in every full season, ranking 15th in MLB with 158 homers over that period. “Many teams will pursue Hernandez for his power, but the deciding factor could come down to which team is willing to offer the most years,” Finkelstein noted. Spotrac estimates his market value at three years, $71 million, suggesting the Yankees may overpay slightly. However, a bidding war could drive up the price, and only time will tell how this unfolds.
